As previewed last month in the Times & Citizen, the new school building has been designed along a ‘hub and spoke’ design that incorporates the school’s subject-specific ‘learning villages’ in four bespoke wings.

And the building will be formally opened in the new year after the completion of final landscaping and the demolition of the old school building.

Bedford Academy principal Claire Smith said: “After the months of planning and proposals we’re thrilled to be finally moving into our new building, which will enable us to give our students even more opportunities to excel and reach their full potential.

“It has been wonderful to see the sense of pride and excitement amongst students and staff as they began classes for the first time in the new build.